During the consecration of the Kitale Catholic Diocese Bishop Henry Odonya on January 21, 2022, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya requested President William Ruto to initiate some development projects in the county.
Natembeya asked the President to among other things help in the establishment of a public university, issue title deeds to landowners, construct tarmacked roads and issuance of Kitale annexe prison land to the county to expand a fast-growing Kitale town.
If all these are put in place, there is no doubt that the economy of the area will drastically behave.
For instance, the establishment of the university, Natembeya says, will make more lecturers to be hired and will also see local farmers supply their commodities at the institution. By so doing, the farmers will improve their cash flows therefore economically empowering them.
Landowners who will be neighbouring the institution will also construct houses which will be used by students and members of the staff. This is another economic value of the institution.
Currently, Trans Nzoia has no university and most people depend on Kitale National Polytechnic which offers diploma and certificate courses.
Roads
“Your excellency, we also need construction of the tarmacked roads, especially the Turbo-Sikhendu-Gitwamba road and Kipsongo-Kisawai road,” asked Natembeya.
The two roads and others in the five sub-counties of the county if improved will play a key role in the transportation of agricultural commodities to the market.
Perishable goods such as oranges and flowers that are grown in some parts of Saboti and Endebess will reach the market while fresh and therefore farmers are able to negotiate good prices for their commodities.
Maize farmers will also be able to transport the commodity faster and their chances of delaying and rotting on the way become minimal.
The acquisition of Kitale annexe prison land for expansion of the town will help more traders and businessmen acquire space to carry out their activities.
“Your excellency, right now, we have like three prisons in Kitale, and this one in town has more officers than the inmates, our people will be happier if we acquire it for the expansion of the town,” Natembeya said.
The land value will also appreciate if the owners will be issued with title deeds. The owners will also be able to access loans from financial institutions as the documents will be used as security.
All these and other development projects that Natembeya’s administration is putting in place will see the area’s economy go up.
The county boss has so far launched the construction of a new Railway market and has also started erecting and repairing street lights in Kitale town.
The Governor has also started improving county roads. He launched the road maintenance programs in Sikhendu, a move he said will see all ward roads well-maintained and passable.
